Before anyone has me on a "buy", more out of curiosity sake than anything else, I'm going to kick the tires of a Kia Stinger GT2 tonight.
@Michaell , @kyfdx .....or anyone else who wants to chime in, can you let me know if these discounts I'm seeing (~$10K off '18s) are real? Swore I wouldn't lease, but how well do these things lease?
I'm seeing $3K Conquest cash and another $2K cash if I finance with Kia (which I can pay off quickly) on top of dealer discounts. Is that how they're getting to $10K off?
Again, this is just an exploratory visit....not one to buy anything, sell anything, or lease anything.
That's exactly how it looks like. I checked with a local dealer - same thing. 4 grand dealer discount plus manufacturer's "conditional" offer. There is even extra 1000 bucks here as "disaster relief" on top of the other offers.
Getting ready to head out now as I leave my office (which happens to be about 10 feet from my bedroom). Will let you guys know what I think.
Actually, having two vehicles again does not necessarily appeal. Plus, aside from being (significantly) faster than my TLX, not sure if that would be enough for me to pull the trigger as I'd have two similar type of vehicles.
To show you how determined I am at not buying, I'm leaving my checkbook at home.
I'll always keep 5 gallons of electricity in my garage in case of power failures
Some years ago, I road tested an experimental EV--it was actually more of a conversion, and the range wasn't much more than an early Leaf. But what I liked about the car was two things that a modern EV doesn't have: 1) a manual transmission and 2) the conversion was done on a stylish car.
When I was about 6 car lengths from where the traffic cones started to guide the cars out of that lane and into my lane a guy in a smaller car came roaring up and squeezed in front, of me and I could see his buddy behind him going to try the same. Fortunately, I am a nice guy and I slowed down from 60 mph which was the limit, to let them both squeeze in. If I hadn't done that they would have had to drive into the cones or side swipe me. The driving back home is bad, but, it doesn't get much worse than in Florida. Those guys are really dangerous, because they have no idea of the limits of their ability, and they not only endanger themselves - who cares - but innocent people as well. :@
That's a popular game in this area as well. The trucks often block both lanes to keep people from abusing the courteous people who get over into the one through lane. Sometimes the trucks even partially block the berm to keep idiots like your two from going around anyhow.
Occasionally there's an exit ahead and people will use the berm to get up to exit. But there are many who will pass and then cut over daring a car not to let them in.
This is a good reason to get cameras in your car and then when they hit you there's evidence.
Zipper merge works. If they wanted the lane closed a half mile back, they would have closed it a half mile back. But the militant queue police are effectively doing that, whether they're in semis or minivans. If a truck is sitting there with hundreds of yards of open blacktop in front of him, he's the idiot or more likely just an A-hole.
What @driver100 describes here, since he was moving at the speed limit, isn't so much zipper merge as a late dive-bomb.
I am anxiously awaiting your review! Real reviews from "real people".
Amen. There are some folks whose reviews I enjoy reading because they are written from a honest perspective. Whether it's a performance car or a rental, I understand their likes and the reviews are interesting.
Getting ready to head out now as I leave my office (which happens to be about 10 feet from my bedroom). Will let you guys know what I think.
Actually, having two vehicles again does not necessarily appeal. Plus, aside from being (significantly) faster than my TLX, not sure if that would be enough for me to pull the trigger as I'd have two similar type of vehicles.
To show you how determined I am at not buying, I'm leaving my checkbook at home.
How about your VISA card? Made a down payment of $4000 on that to hold a car...and got my air miles!
Some probably thought I was being flippant suggesting some of the low mileage MBs could be buybacks. Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
But having that turbo makes a lot of extra power you wouldn't have with a regular 1.6 engine. I have a 1.8t in my Golf and love that little turbo as it can really move when necessary, especially in "S" mode. Hardly ever use "S" except when merging onto the local expressways when it's really needed to merge properly and safely. Am betting the 2.0t engines in some other VW's is even faster to get up to speed, like the GTI, but then I think they have a different automatic tranny setup than I do. And now, the new Jetta's have a 1.4t so no clue how well they accelerate but think Stick could shed some light on that for us since his youngest has that setup. I just might have to look at a new Jetta again once I do start shopping and see how it drives. By then, we might be in the process of moving so could go with a little longer vehicle. Just don't know what the future will hold on that subject!
Some probably thought I was being flippant suggesting some of the low mileage MBs could be buybacks. Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
hopefully if it happened that fast things would show on the carfax. Possible that is the case, though probably much more likely it is a loaner.
Though smart of MB I guess to take them back without a fight, so they never get branded as a lemon buy-back. They just consider it a courtesy repurchase (goodwill) so clean title to resell.
Getting ready to head out now as I leave my office (which happens to be about 10 feet from my bedroom). Will let you guys know what I think.
Actually, having two vehicles again does not necessarily appeal. Plus, aside from being (significantly) faster than my TLX, not sure if that would be enough for me to pull the trigger as I'd have two similar type of vehicles.
To show you how determined I am at not buying, I'm leaving my checkbook at home.
How about your VISA card? Made a down payment of $4000 on that to hold a car...and got my air miles!
Stop it! You’re making sense.
So, just got back from the test drive. Got an issue in our office in Japan that I have to get on. Will write up impressions later.
should have driven the 2.0t version 2, back to back. Just to compare. When I take my Elantra in for service next week, I'll probably take a G70 out for a spin. But it will definitely be a 2.0 model.
1.6l is plenty. That's what my car has, and it is quite quick and entertaining. Of course, the turbo helps quite a bit with that!
actually, a lot of Fords including the Fusion (a large car) get by with 1.5l.
But the 1.6 in the base Sentra from a few years ago is not a turbo, and iirc makes c. 110 hp. According to this site, a 2013 Sentra went from 0-60 in 9.1 seconds.
Yes, I should have pointed out that without a turbo, that engine has to be a dog. But then you have to understand where I am coming from too. My Genny is a 5.0 V8 that has more than 400 HP. So, I get a little snobbish when it comes to engines. My philosophy has always been, if the car can be had with a larger engine, I want the larger engine. That has been my thoughts and I'm just glad I can afford my habit.
jmonroe
I've driven many Sentras and none of them are dogs. Not going to win any races but adequate for regular duty.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This is a crazy problem to not have resolved. A formal recall could be very expensive but the damage this is doing to Ford’s reputation is also very costly.
Of all the Foci I've driven only one had a jerky transmission. I think most of the problems were with the 2012-16 models. I've also read that dual clutch trannies require different driving habits like not letting it creep forward in stop & go traffic. People who don't drive them correctly have more problems.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Some probably thought I was being flippant suggesting some of the low mileage MBs could be buybacks. Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
One place a turbo engine helps is climbing hills. They make enough torque that they can keep a constant speed without downshifting. Most current transmissions are reluctant to downshift, so the car just slows down.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
the 1.4t is quite spritely. really feels like the 1.8 to me. Even if it might be slightly slower in a drag race, if drives just fine.
Our limo guy picked us up in his 2016 Jetta. He has 2 vans but if he is picking up one or two people he uses his Jetta. I sat in the front, and it was a great riding car. Very smooth on the highway, the suspension felt like it was a bigger and heavier car. It felt solid, no rattles. The 2019s seem to be a lot larger...if the 2016 is any indication the 19 must be really nice.
Stick, I think what you said about Mercedes taking cars back sounds very possible....keeps the whole thing undercover, and they aren't stigmatized with trying to sell off a lemon. It probably isn't a good idea to have a bad reputation with the lemon judges.
Some probably thought I was being flippant suggesting some of the low mileage MBs could be buybacks. Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
My company sort of leases cars from the manufacturers. They turn them back in with relatively low milage (under 20k). They also have what are called buybacks from the manufacturers with even lower miles. I'm not sure of all the particulars but some of those low milage cars on dealer lots could be from rental companies.
Also, while I'm on the subject, I recently drove a brand new car which was still in "shipping mode". It had no odometer reading on the dash at all. It made me wonder if such a car could be driven by the dealership indefinitely without clocking any miles or whether the car's computer logged the miles and they would appear in full once the shipping mode was discontinued.
Any of you dealer guys know about this?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Getting ready to head out now as I leave my office (which happens to be about 10 feet from my bedroom). Will let you guys know what I think.
Actually, having two vehicles again does not necessarily appeal. Plus, aside from being (significantly) faster than my TLX, not sure if that would be enough for me to pull the trigger as I'd have two similar type of vehicles.
To show you how determined I am at not buying, I'm leaving my checkbook at home.
How about your VISA card? Made a down payment of $4000 on that to hold a car...and got my air miles!
Stop it! You’re making sense.
So, just got back from the test drive. Got an issue in our office in Japan that I have to get on. Will write up impressions later.
I will say this.....it’s a helluva car!
I can hardly wait......wonder what color you will be getting GG.
Some probably thought I was being flippant suggesting some of the low mileage MBs could be buybacks. Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
My company sort of leases cars from the manufacturers. They turn them back in with relatively low milage (under 20k). They also have what are called buybacks from the manufacturers with even lower miles. I'm not sure of all the particulars but some of those low milage cars on dealer lots could be from rental companies.
Also, while I'm on the subject, I recently drove a brand new car which was still in "shipping mode". It had no odometer reading on the dash at all. It made me wonder if such a car could be driven by the dealership indefinitely without clocking any miles or whether the car's computer logged the miles and they would appear in full once the shipping mode was discontinued.
Any of you dealer guys know about this?
I wonder if it has a limit of how many "dealer miles" can be driven without the odometer registering it? Maybe enough to get it off a truck and into a lot...or did you drive 100s of miles OF?
Some probably thought I was being flippant suggesting some of the low mileage MBs could be buybacks. Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
My company sort of leases cars from the manufacturers. They turn them back in with relatively low milage (under 20k). They also have what are called buybacks from the manufacturers with even lower miles. I'm not sure of all the particulars but some of those low milage cars on dealer lots could be from rental companies.
Also, while I'm on the subject, I recently drove a brand new car which was still in "shipping mode". It had no odometer reading on the dash at all. It made me wonder if such a car could be driven by the dealership indefinitely without clocking any miles or whether the car's computer logged the miles and they would appear in full once the shipping mode was discontinued.
Any of you dealer guys know about this?
I wonder if it has a limit of how many "dealer miles" can be driven without the odometer registering it? Maybe enough to get it off a truck and into a lot...or did you drive 100s of miles OF?
Don't remember exactly but it was more than just off a truck. 20 miles at least, maybe more.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Does having to visit a Kia dealer count as a disaster worthy of a discount?
I think they make some decent cars - but all experiences I've had with their dealers have been miserable.
I've met one pleasant Kia salesperson; the rest were the typical "What can I do ta put ya in a car today?". "What payment ya lookin at?" stereotypical screamer ad store jerks.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
This is a crazy problem to not have resolved. A formal recall could be very expensive but the damage this is doing to Ford’s reputation is also very costly.
Of all the Foci I've driven only one had a jerky transmission. I think most of the problems were with the 2012-16 models. I've also read that dual clutch trannies require different driving habits like not letting it creep forward in stop & go traffic. People who don't drive them correctly have more problems.
How do you handle stop & go traffic without letting it creep forward? Seems kind of counter-intuitive to me.
The only real experience I've had with a dual clutch transmission was in the 2013 Passat TDI. And the only problems I had were not with "creeping" but with "on and off again". Traffic stops, then moves. You press the throttle, move forward 50 feet, the car in front of you stops, you let off the throttle and coast. The car in front of you starts moving again, you press the throttle again (never having come to a complete stop). The transmission has some kind of nervous breakdown, jumps and pitches like a rookie driver trying to handle a clutch for the first time.
Does having to visit a Kia dealer count as a disaster worthy of a discount?
I think they make some decent cars - but all experiences I've had with their dealers have been miserable.
I've met one pleasant Kia salesperson; the rest were the typical "What can I do ta put ya in a car today?". "What payment ya lookin at?" stereotypical screamer ad store jerks.
And don't forget the classic line..."we wanna see ya in a Kia".
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
the ODO is probably just not displaying. It really isn't something that works independently like in the old days. Miles is stored in the ECU someplace. So the car knows how many it has.
The DCT is basically a stick shift. You are not supposed to creep along, which is analogous to slipping or riding the clutch in traffic. They recommend you let traffic move so when you go, it can get fully into gear. Just does not like moving at basically idle. Especially on an uphill, which is really supposed to be avoided, since it is the clutches slipping doing the work. So, just like driving a stick!
Are there any "dealer guys" left on Edmunds, let alone on this board? We have some has-beens and a variety of wanna-bees, but I'm not aware of any bona-fide sales people or other representatives actually employed by a car company or sales store.
Maybe I've missed something.
Mostly I think everyone on here is drinking everyone else's bathwater.
Funny, isn't it - taking the car back and not dragging it out like what happened to someone and their CTS might actually help brand perception even when someone gets a defective car.
I know someone who's parents had to lemon law an early SLK back in the day. After they put the legal wheels in motion, MB took it with nary a fight.
I'd wager a fortune that most low mileage MBs sitting on lots out there are retired loaners and rentals. Most large MB dealers have a fleet of C loaners, and I think at least a few rental fleets have the C, and other similar MSRP models.
hopefully if it happened that fast things would show on the carfax. Possible that is the case, though probably much more likely it is a loaner.
Though smart of MB I guess to take them back without a fight, so they never get branded as a lemon buy-back. They just consider it a courtesy repurchase (goodwill) so clean title to resell.
I may be one of a few that's here that works in the car business. Currently I'm a Sales Manager at a Honda dealer. Already 15 years in the car business since I started in December of 2003, about the same time I joined Edmunds forums
The newer Focuses are very common for their lousy transmission issues. Out of 3 Focuses we took in on trade in the past 4 months, 2 of them had bad trannies. One failed when I was about to take a customer's car for an appraisal. It wouldn't go in reverse. Customer was wondering if I broke his car because he drove it in to our dealership without issues apparently. I said, sir I didn't even get a chance to back it out of the parking stall. It didn't help that it had a rebuilt status too and was banged up everywhere.
I also ran into bad tranny Focuses at the previous dealer I managed (used car lot). I try to avoid them like the plague or send them straight to auction whether the tranny is good or bad (we do declare a bad tranny if that's the case).
And regarding the S Classes, in 2015 I was helping a dealer friend market a nearly new S65 AMG they had on consignment from a student who was moving back to China. This thing was mind blowing in terms of the options, including a rear fridge and individual seating in the rear (2 fully reclining bucket seats seperated by a huge centre console.
Photos of the actual car:
So I called up a friend who worked at Mercedes if they were interested in purchasing it. He declined saying that most people who buy these will order their own and spec it out to their own tastes rather than trying to save a few grand buying a used one. On top of that he said the S65's are not huge sellers compared to S63's because the price premium over an S63 was something like $80k ($170k vs $250k CDN) but the V12 engine in the S65 didn't have signiifcant performance gains to justify the extra cost, even for those that could afford it.
Maybe the odometer just isn't visible until the mode is changed.
That sounds likely....though it is a bit unethical that car makers could theoretically drive the car around with no miles registering. I guess if they can fix the computers to spew out less emissions, they can make an odometer that won't start until the want it to.
It is like our new digital cable box. Before you could buy one somewhere else or buy one. Now you have to rent one from Spectrum (I guess Charter had such a bad reputation had to change the name to Spectrum) and once you hook it up you phone them and they turn on the signal...so they are in complete control. And, now they can charge an extra $8 a month. I am waiting for the day when there will be wireless cable and internet.
Funny, isn't it - taking the car back and not dragging it out like what happened to someone and their CTS might actually help brand perception even when someone gets a defective car.
I know someone who's parents had to lemon law an early SLK back in the day. After they put the legal wheels in motion, MB took it with nary a fight.
I'd wager a fortune that most low mileage MBs sitting on lots out there are retired loaners and rentals. Most large MB dealers have a fleet of C loaners, and I think at least a few rental fleets have the C, and other similar MSRP models.
hopefully if it happened that fast things would show on the carfax. Possible that is the case, though probably much more likely it is a loaner.
Though smart of MB I guess to take them back without a fight, so they never get branded as a lemon buy-back. They just consider it a courtesy repurchase (goodwill) so clean title to resell.
I like the looks of the CTS and if I wasn't completely happy with my MBs, + BMWs I would comparison shop. But GGs nightmare story makes me think.....do I want to go through something like that? I agree, better for the manufacturer to take the car back once they know it is a problem car.....and even offer a newer car or something of equal value. Going to Lemon Law court is a losing proposition all around....and ends up costing much more in real dollars and in reputation.
I like the looks of the CTS and if I wasn't completely happy with my MBs, + BMWs I would comparison shop. But GGs nightmare story makes me think.....do I want to go through something like that? I agree, better for the manufacturer to take the car back once they know it is a problem car.....and even offer a newer car or something of equal value. Going to Lemon Law court is a losing proposition all around....and ends up costing much more in real dollars and in reputation.
I like the looks of the CTS and if I wasn't completely happy with my MBs, + BMWs I would comparison shop. But GGs nightmare story makes me think.....do I want to go through something like that? I agree, better for the manufacturer to take the car back once they know it is a problem car.....and even offer a newer car or something of equal value. Going to Lemon Law court is a losing proposition all around....and ends up costing much more in real dollars and in reputation.
His story was atypical.
I agree, and I have a friend who buys a new Cadillac every few years and wouldn't buy anything else. But, that is still a 50% batting average...and, with my luck.............
Well, what should have been a quick con call to take care of a work issue in Japan last night, turned into me working until 3:15 a.m. to get things taken care of. Good and bad about working in a home office. Good, I can go to work in shorts and a sweatshirt (like now) and I make my own hours. Bad news? You can’t walk away from your office as it’s also your home.
Anyway, about the Stinger....walking into the Kia store, while not the snake pit some have experienced, it was populated by young kids (can I call mid 20-30 somethings kids?) who were either new to the business, or in the case of the sales manager, recently promoted. I’ve bought enough cars that I don’t have any issues with either. I just prefer working with more “seasoned” sales people as they won’t waste my time, because doing so wastes theirs.
The dealership is one I pass frequently and is right next store to my “old friends”, the Cadillac Dealership....owned by the same person.
Anyway, my young sales guy, Chris, had been there 3 months. Nice enough kid, said he just got out of the Army (which he joined straight out of high school). Guessing he was early 20s.
He was nice enough. I could tell he’s still rather green....”you buying today? Any trade? What do you want your payments to be?”, etc. I explained I was just kicking tires and more curious than anything else. He followed that up with the old trial close....”if we can make you great offer would you buy tonight?” Me....”nope...but, you never know if I may decide sometime in the future I want to buy a Kia, and I’d look you (Chris) up.”
They had a Stinger in the showroom, but it was a 2.0T (Premium, I think was the model). Sat in it (with Chris close at hand, just kind of wandering around keeping a watchful eye on me). The pics I’d seen do not do these cars justice. They’re much better looking, inside and out, in person.
Unfortunately, it was black on black, and had obviously been on the lot for a while as it had little scratches on it where people probably sat on it with pants/jeans that had metal adornments.
That's one of those cars bought because it is the most expensive thing on the order sheet, and for no other reason. Definitely not a car that would be debadged. And of course owned by a "student" with money nobody will inquire about, gotta love Vancouver, money laundering capital of the west coast.
I bet he lost his shirt on the car, but when daddy's bank account is like Scrooge McDuck's vault, it's like you or I losing a quarter.
And regarding the S Classes, in 2015 I was helping a dealer friend market a nearly new S65 AMG they had on consignment from a student who was moving back to China. This thing was mind blowing in terms of the options, including a rear fridge and individual seating in the rear (2 fully reclining bucket seats seperated by a huge centre console.
So I called up a friend who worked at Mercedes if they were interested in purchasing it. He declined saying that most people who buy these will order their own and spec it out to their own tastes rather than trying to save a few grand buying a used one. On top of that he said the S65's are not huge sellers compared to S63's because the price premium over an S63 was something like $80k ($170k vs $250k CDN) but the V12 engine in the S65 didn't have signiifcant performance gains to justify the extra cost, even for those that could afford it.
flat silver vent on the black paint looks AWFUL. Big bulky shifter is an eyesore, as are the silver upper buttons taken from a late '90s Maxima. And that large black blob representing most of the dash is not doing the interior any favors. On the plus side, the black piano trim, stitched door centers, and silver speaker grilles are all nice touches. I also like the wheels.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I rode in a high spec CT6 last year - seriously nice car. I also like the look of the CTS, but like you, it would take a lot to get me to change from my current brand preference, and the offers haven't been enough to lure me yet. It took a lot to lure people away from the brand 35-40 years ago, and the same battle will be required to reverse it.
I think many in upper exec or legal team roles don't have much long term vision or self-awareness, and don't realize the damage done when they mess with a customer with a legitimately defective product. It's all about short term balance sheets.
I like the looks of the CTS and if I wasn't completely happy with my MBs, + BMWs I would comparison shop. But GGs nightmare story makes me think.....do I want to go through something like that? I agree, better for the manufacturer to take the car back once they know it is a problem car.....and even offer a newer car or something of equal value. Going to Lemon Law court is a losing proposition all around....and ends up costing much more in real dollars and in reputation.
So, at first glance, I didn’t like the silver and chrome adornment on this car. From what Chris said, the side vents are functional to cool the brakes. He said the hood vents cooled the engine. I opened the hood and pointed out to him that there was no vent on the inside of the hood, so the ones on the outside were non-functional. He said he learns something new every day.
I did like the wheels, however.
Interior, seats were leather (not bad, but not as nice as my TLX). But, the seats were comfortable. It sits much lower than my TLX, which might be an issue for some to get in and out of. I didn’t have any issues, though.
Top part of the dash had the “faux” stitching. And, while the lower half of the dash area was hard plastic, the top areas were soft, padded material. But, that’s nit picking. Controls were solid feeling.....about as good as what’s in my TLX (which is a very good thing). Didn’t like the shiny plastic covering for the center console.......that’s a finger print magnet that would look trashy in pretty short order.
Adjusting the seat for me, I had plenty of room, but it did feel slightly more cramped than in my TLX....surprising for such a big car. Back seat room was good, too.
Hatch is enormous, but a bit shallow. You’d have to remove the hatch cover to put anything relatively tall back there. While it did not have the “wave your foot under the car” hatch opener, it did go all the way up when pushing the open button. Plus, it had an automatic close feature, too.
All-in-all, a very nice interior that was very well made. Yeah....there were a few areas of cost cutting in minor areas, but overall, it could hold up against my TLX, a C Class, a 3 Series, ES (probably GS would be better comparison given the size of the car) or Q50.
I was getting ready to leave, when Chris asked if I wanted to drive one. I told him probably not, as I’d be more interested in the GT twin turbo version. He said the dealership was slow (it was....I was the only customer aside from a couple seemingly trying to get financed.....didn’t sound like it was going well, either). He had a GT2 (V6 TT) ready for a test drive if I wanted.
Are there any "dealer guys" left on Edmunds, let alone on this board? We have some has-beens and a variety of wanna-bees, but I'm not aware of any bona-fide sales people or other representatives actually employed by a car company or sales store.
Maybe I've missed something.
Mostly I think everyone on here is drinking everyone else's bathwater.
While the dealer had plenty of ‘19 Stinger GTs, they only had 2 ‘18 GTs. One was a red one that they had sitting on the back lot that for some reason, had not had a PDI. It has a black interior. Still had plastic on the hood. But, the exposed areas, I could tell it would have been one I really would like. It was a GT2, so it was ALL LOADED UP.
Then, they had this one, which was ready to go.....
Wow! what a sharp looking car and great pics as well. It's pure eye candy and looks a winner. I was watching a video on South Korea and they said that 76% of that market is dominated by Hyundai/Kia. And they produce some stunningly elegant sports cars for the youth market. Too bad these cuties are not exported...yet.
Comments
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I think they make some decent cars - but all experiences I've had with their dealers have been miserable.
Actually, having two vehicles again does not necessarily appeal. Plus, aside from being (significantly) faster than my TLX, not sure if that would be enough for me to pull the trigger as I'd have two similar type of vehicles.
To show you how determined I am at not buying, I'm leaving my checkbook at home.
Some years ago, I road tested an experimental EV--it was actually more of a conversion, and the range wasn't much more than an early Leaf. But what I liked about the car was two things that a modern EV doesn't have: 1) a manual transmission and 2) the conversion was done on a stylish car.
What @driver100 describes here, since he was moving at the speed limit, isn't so much zipper merge as a late dive-bomb.
a honest perspective. Whether it's a performance car or a rental, I understand their likes
and the reviews are interesting.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Made a down payment of $4000 on that to hold a car...and got my air miles!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Here's one of several MBworld discussions about the topic. They exist. And not just in GM's world or Cadillac's world..
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/630899-anyone-familiar-lemon-law-buyback-mercedes-corporate-but-have-questions.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/302125-thoughts-buying-lemon-law-buyback.html
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The Sandman/Driving Fool
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Though smart of MB I guess to take them back without a fight, so they never get branded as a lemon buy-back. They just consider it a courtesy repurchase (goodwill) so clean title to resell.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So, just got back from the test drive. Got an issue in our office in Japan that I have to get on. Will write up impressions later.
I will say this.....it’s a helluva car!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Back at ya Imid
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Most current transmissions are reluctant to downshift, so the car just slows down.
The 2019s seem to be a lot larger...if the 2016 is any indication the 19 must be really nice.
Stick, I think what you said about Mercedes taking cars back sounds very possible....keeps the whole thing undercover, and they aren't stigmatized with trying to sell off a lemon. It probably isn't a good idea to have a bad reputation with the lemon judges.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Also, while I'm on the subject, I recently drove a brand new car which was still in "shipping mode". It had no odometer reading on the dash at all. It made me wonder if such a car could be driven by the dealership indefinitely without clocking any miles or whether the car's computer logged the miles and they would appear in full once the shipping mode was discontinued.
Any of you dealer guys know about this?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The only real experience I've had with a dual clutch transmission was in the 2013 Passat TDI. And the only problems I had were not with "creeping" but with "on and off again". Traffic stops, then moves. You press the throttle, move forward 50 feet, the car in front of you stops, you let off the throttle and coast. The car in front of you starts moving again, you press the throttle again (never having come to a complete stop). The transmission has some kind of nervous breakdown, jumps and pitches like a rookie driver trying to handle a clutch for the first time.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
The DCT is basically a stick shift. You are not supposed to creep along, which is analogous to slipping or riding the clutch in traffic. They recommend you let traffic move so when you go, it can get fully into gear. Just does not like moving at basically idle. Especially on an uphill, which is really supposed to be avoided, since it is the clutches slipping doing the work. So, just like driving a stick!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Maybe I've missed something.
Mostly I think everyone on here is drinking everyone else's bathwater.
I know someone who's parents had to lemon law an early SLK back in the day. After they put the legal wheels in motion, MB took it with nary a fight.
I'd wager a fortune that most low mileage MBs sitting on lots out there are retired loaners and rentals. Most large MB dealers have a fleet of C loaners, and I think at least a few rental fleets have the C, and other similar MSRP models.
Alex on Autos really likes the KIA Stinger GT2 with an msrp of c.$50k.
The newer Focuses are very common for their lousy transmission issues. Out of 3 Focuses we took in on trade in the past 4 months, 2 of them had bad trannies. One failed when I was about to take a customer's car for an appraisal. It wouldn't go in reverse. Customer was wondering if I broke his car because he drove it in to our dealership without issues apparently. I said, sir I didn't even get a chance to back it out of the parking stall. It didn't help that it had a rebuilt status too and was banged up everywhere.
I also ran into bad tranny Focuses at the previous dealer I managed (used car lot). I try to avoid them like the plague or send them straight to auction whether the tranny is good or bad (we do declare a bad tranny if that's the case).
And regarding the S Classes, in 2015 I was helping a dealer friend market a nearly new S65 AMG they had on consignment from a student who was moving back to China. This thing was mind blowing in terms of the options, including a rear fridge and individual seating in the rear (2 fully reclining bucket seats seperated by a huge centre console.
Photos of the actual car:
So I called up a friend who worked at Mercedes if they were interested in purchasing it. He declined saying that most people who buy these will order their own and spec it out to their own tastes rather than trying to save a few grand buying a used one. On top of that he said the S65's are not huge sellers compared to S63's because the price premium over an S63 was something like $80k ($170k vs $250k CDN) but the V12 engine in the S65 didn't have signiifcant performance gains to justify the extra cost, even for those that could afford it.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
It is like our new digital cable box. Before you could buy one somewhere else or buy one. Now you have to rent one from Spectrum (I guess Charter had such a bad reputation had to change the name to Spectrum) and once you hook it up you phone them and they turn on the signal...so they are in complete control. And, now they can charge an extra $8 a month. I am waiting for the day when there will be wireless cable and internet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm not sure either but I only take showers.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Anyway, about the Stinger....walking into the Kia store, while not the snake pit some have experienced, it was populated by young kids (can I call mid 20-30 somethings kids?) who were either new to the business, or in the case of the sales manager, recently promoted. I’ve bought enough cars that I don’t have any issues with either. I just prefer working with more “seasoned” sales people as they won’t waste my time, because doing so wastes theirs.
The dealership is one I pass frequently and is right next store to my “old friends”, the Cadillac Dealership....owned by the same person.
Anyway, my young sales guy, Chris, had been there 3 months. Nice enough kid, said he just got out of the Army (which he joined straight out of high school). Guessing he was early 20s.
He was nice enough. I could tell he’s still rather green....”you buying today? Any trade? What do you want your payments to be?”, etc. I explained I was just kicking tires and more curious than anything else. He followed that up with the old trial close....”if we can make you great offer would you buy tonight?” Me....”nope...but, you never know if I may decide sometime in the future I want to buy a Kia, and I’d look you (Chris) up.”
They had a Stinger in the showroom, but it was a 2.0T (Premium, I think was the model). Sat in it (with Chris close at hand, just kind of wandering around keeping a watchful eye on me). The pics I’d seen do not do these cars justice. They’re much better looking, inside and out, in person.
Unfortunately, it was black on black, and had obviously been on the lot for a while as it had little scratches on it where people probably sat on it with pants/jeans that had metal adornments.
I’ll have some pics in a moment.
I bet he lost his shirt on the car, but when daddy's bank account is like Scrooge McDuck's vault, it's like you or I losing a quarter.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think many in upper exec or legal team roles don't have much long term vision or self-awareness, and don't realize the damage done when they mess with a customer with a legitimately defective product. It's all about short term balance sheets.
I did like the wheels, however.
Interior, seats were leather (not bad, but not as nice as my TLX). But, the seats were comfortable. It sits much lower than my TLX, which might be an issue for some to get in and out of. I didn’t have any issues, though.
Top part of the dash had the “faux” stitching. And, while the lower half of the dash area was hard plastic, the top areas were soft, padded material. But, that’s nit picking. Controls were solid feeling.....about as good as what’s in my TLX (which is a very good thing). Didn’t like the shiny plastic covering for the center console.......that’s a finger print magnet that would look trashy in pretty short order.
Adjusting the seat for me, I had plenty of room, but it did feel slightly more cramped than in my TLX....surprising for such a big car. Back seat room was good, too.
Hatch is enormous, but a bit shallow. You’d have to remove the hatch cover to put anything relatively tall back there. While it did not have the “wave your foot under the car” hatch opener, it did go all the way up when pushing the open button. Plus, it had an automatic close feature, too.
All-in-all, a very nice interior that was very well made. Yeah....there were a few areas of cost cutting in minor areas, but overall, it could hold up against my TLX, a C Class, a 3 Series, ES (probably GS would be better comparison given the size of the car) or Q50.
I was getting ready to leave, when Chris asked if I wanted to drive one. I told him probably not, as I’d be more interested in the GT twin turbo version. He said the dealership was slow (it was....I was the only customer aside from a couple seemingly trying to get financed.....didn’t sound like it was going well, either). He had a GT2 (V6 TT) ready for a test drive if I wanted.
Sure....I’ll take you up on your offer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Then, they had this one, which was ready to go.....